A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has cited worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship as reasons for the failed coup against President Bola Tinubu

He stated that the hardship was fueled by the fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.

According to him, discussions to remove Tinubu and install a military regime began in 2023, towards the end of the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari

“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.

The Army Colonel revealed that the coup plotters had to assemble officers who shared their sentiment after seeing no forceful response from senior military officers concerning the situation.

“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.

Ma'aji revealed that the plot was later shelved when the lack of logistics and manpower became an issue.

He further revealed that the mission was powered by personal funds before it got N1 million from an Army Major, while another officer donated dollars on several occasions.

According to Ma’aji, the plot got a boost after he failed for a second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024.

ASA